Delicious Tamales: Mexico's Holiday Favorite

Nothing says holiday celebration in Mexico like the tamales that are feast-day staples of almost all homes, rich and poor, especially at Christmas. In Mexico, tamales come in all shapes and sizes, from the small uchepos of Michocán to the huge Zacahuil of the Huasteca region. The masa is usually made from dried corn, but also fresh corn, and even rice. Fillings include just about anything edible, from savory items like pork, beans, game, and poultry to sweet fillings , mostly made with fruits. Tamales are usually steamed but they can also be smoked, like the zacahuil.

While tamales in Mexico are delicious , unfortunately those in the US are often average to awful. That is a shame, because terrific tamales are easy to make. To learn the easy process, please see the blog Secrets to Making Great Tamales, or go to the recipes for Tex-Mex Tamales, Turco Tamales, or the one for the Zacahui recipe.